Minnesota Division I Men's Hockey Tournament QuotesThe University of Minnesota, in conjunction with Bemidji State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota Duluth, is pleased to announce plans for an annual tournament featuring Minnesota's five Division I hockey programs beginning in 2014 at Xcel Energy Center.

"The impact of the Beanpot Hockey Tournament in the Boston area is unbelievable, and I think this tournament will be as good, if not better. The real winners here are hockey fans from around the state. With all five Division I schools from Minnesota participating, we are enhancing the long-standing rivalries our fans have grown to love by inserting them into a tournament setting and putting hardware on the line."

"This new tournament at Xcel Energy Center will be great for all five programs and great for the entire state of Minnesota. There's a lot of history and a lot of tradition between Minnesota's five Division I programs, and we are certainly excited to keep those rivalries intact moving forward."

Minnesota Duluth Head Coach Scott Sandelin:

"Although we are relocating to a new league next fall, we didn't want see our great rivalries with the four other in-state Division I programs -- many of which began 50 or more years ago -- come to an end. This new statewide tournament will certainly help us in that effort and will be a terrific showcase for all involved.

Minnesota State-Mankato Head Coach Mike Hastings:

"We're truly honored to be involved with this statewide tournament. Not unlike similar college tournaments in the nation such as the Beanpot out East, the Minnesota tournament will be a showcase for our game here in the Midwest and especially so with it being played at one of the premier hockey venues in the country in Xcel Energy Center. We've always valued our relationships with the four other Division I programs in the state and are looking forward to this tremendous event beginning in 2013-14."

St. Cloud State Head Coach Bob Motzko:

"There is good reason why Minnesota is known as the State of Hockey. Our fans love the game and are very passionate about the teams they support. The rivalries that have been built between the schools in Minnesota have helped grow interest in college hockey in this region, and I think the new tournament will help carry on the strong tradition of those in-state rivalries. We are excited about the opportunity to be part of the Minnesota tournament. The Xcel Energy Center will provide a first class venue for the games and the tournament will be an excellent showcase for Division I college hockey in the state of Minnesota."

Bemidji State Director of Athletics Dr. Rick Goeb:

"Boston has its Beanpot Tournament, and we hope to quickly create an event that is similar in terms of its stature and appeal. We hope this becomes an instant classic and a date that is circled on the calendars of hockey fans all across the state."

Minnesota Director of Athletics Norwood Teague:

"We are thrilled to be a participating in such a great event that highlights college hockey across the state of Minnesota and keeps our long-standing, in-state rivalries alive. We look forward to having this annual tournament as an event that all five programs and hockey fans throughout Minnesota can be proud of for years to come."

Minnesota Duluth Interim Director of Athletics Karen Stromme:

"It was critical to establish the timing of this event in terms of our ability to coordinate schedules during this period of transition. We feel this weekend creates a nice niche for us and is one that will really offer us an opportunity to showcase the sport of hockey in our state."

Minnesota State-Mankato Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman:

"We appreciate the leadership the University of Minnesota has taken with this initiative. Their approach has been one where they have put the best interests of hockey fans and the other four partner institutions at the forefront. It's admirable the role they have taken in making this vision a reality."

St. Cloud State Director of Athletics Heather Weems:

"This tournament seeks to fill a void and truly belongs to the fans all across the `State of Hockey' that are associated with each of these great programs. We thought a `name the event' contest could create some excitement and ownership by those that will be the most heavily invested in the future success of this tournament."